Hey guys and gals, Im new to this forum and to the xj. I bought a 97 a few months back that had a leak in the manifold just before it turns to the pipe. It sounds like a boat until the motor warms up pretty well. I imagine the sound dissipates due to the expansion of the metal as it heats and therefore effectively decreasing the size of the leak. The cat also just started rattling at start up and shut down. So what I want to do is get a full system from the block all the way to the exhaust tip. What is the best way to go? What have you guys done and are you happy with your'e systems and what did you pay? Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

APN header IMHO is the way to go or someone bought one off ebay they really liked as well. You should be able the replace the manifold with a good header for around $130 or less maybe. After that I got a downpipe from local parts house, then magnaflo cat direct fit and dynomax cat back all from summitracing.com. I am very happy with what I have.

 

x2 on the APN header. Many seem to agree it's a good price on a quality product. I also went with a magnaflow direct-fit catalytic converter from Summit on my XJ. For the cat-back I went with 4WD Hardware's 2 1/2" system, eventually dropping their kinda cheap sounding muffler for a Dynomax UltraFlo. I am extremely happy with the sound and performance of my setup, I just need to pick up an APN header soon!